indicative numbers

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "indicative numbers" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used when referring to numbers that serve to indicate or represent something, often in statistical or analytical contexts. Example: "The indicative numbers from the survey suggest a significant trend in consumer behavior."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Academia

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

6 human-written examples

Yes, the Russell Group is the least badly affected, with 30% of its members gaining indicative numbers.

The Guardian

The company claims 150 million users globally every month, even if indicative numbers from ComScore suggest fewer.

The Guardian

Although the PBR included only "indicative" numbers for the period 2011-12 to 2013-14, is is clear from the UK's baleful economic position that tight control of state spending will be needed for at least three years beyond the latter date.

The Guardian

Bermuda 2013 organisers have already written to Island Games associations asking for indicative numbers.

BBC

A model scheme could be developed with indicative numbers of personnel in different departments, job descriptions and options for further development of such a scheme.

Health Economics Review

We use the case of the 2011 2012 unrest at Santorini as a basis for demonstration with the Netica package (NorsysSoftware Corp. [2014]); however, all values and probabilities reproduced in what follows were chosen as provisional indicative numbers – had the crisis escalated further these would have been subjected to detailed expert appraisal and modulation.

Journal of Applied Volcanology

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

54 human-written examples

This "indicative" number assumed that Minera's equity was worth $3.05 billion, because that is what 72.3 million shares of Southern Peru stock were worth then in cash.

Harvard University

In a July 8, 2004 presentation to the Special Committee, Goldman included both a revised standalone DCF analysis of Minera and a "Relative Discounted Cash Flow Analysis" in the form of matrices presenting the "indicative number" of Southern Peru shares that should be issued to acquire Minera based on various assumptions.

Harvard University

Fatalities exist in railway transport too, and an indicative number in Europe for 2006 is that 2,762 fatalities and injuries occurred on 9,309 total accidents.

European Transport Research Review

The indicative number of victims stood at 429 when this report was published, with the age range for potential victims at the time of the abuse spanning four to 20 years of age.

Vice

This reduced number of detectable odorants is indicative of reduced numbers of CR gene families or a reduced number of genes within CR families, or both, in the sea lamprey.

BMC Evolutionary Biology

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "indicative numbers", ensure the context clearly explains what these numbers are meant to indicate. Provide sufficient background information to avoid ambiguity.

Common error

Avoid treating "indicative numbers" as definitive or exact. Always acknowledge their approximate nature and potential for variation. Use qualifying language to manage expectations about their accuracy.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "indicative numbers" functions as a noun phrase where the adjective "indicative" modifies the noun "numbers". According to Ludwig AI, the phrase is correct and usable. It serves to describe numerical data that suggests or points towards a particular conclusion or trend, as shown in various examples.

Expression frequency: Uncommon

Frequent in

News & Media

33%

Science

54%

Academia

13%

Less common in

Formal & Business

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Wiki

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "indicative numbers" is a grammatically sound and usable term that refers to figures suggesting a trend or approximation. As Ludwig AI confirms, it is appropriate for various contexts, including news, science, and academic writing. While not overly common, the phrase is valuable for conveying data that provides a general sense of quantity or direction without claiming exact precision. When using "indicative numbers", context is key to avoid misinterpretation, and it should not be treated as precise figures.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

suggestive figures

Replaces "indicative" with "suggestive", focusing on the suggestive nature of the numbers.

representative statistics

Replaces "numbers" with "statistics", implying a more formal or scientific context.

approximate values

Focuses on the approximate nature of the numbers, suitable when precision is not critical.

estimated counts

Emphasizes that the numbers are estimates rather than exact figures.

preliminary data

Highlights the data as being preliminary, implying it may be subject to change.

projected totals

Indicates that the numbers are projections, often used in forecasting.

illustrative data points

Highlights the illustrative function of the data, suitable for examples or demonstrations.

benchmark figures

Suggests that the numbers are used as a standard for comparison.

notional amounts

Emphasizes that the numbers are theoretical or for illustrative purposes, often used in finance.

sample statistics

Highlights the sampling nature of the statistics, particularly useful in survey contexts.

FAQs

How can I use "indicative numbers" in a sentence?

"Indicative numbers" are used to suggest a trend or provide an approximation. For example, "The "indicative numbers" suggest a rise in consumer spending."

What phrases can I use instead of "indicative numbers"?

Alternatives include "suggestive figures", "representative statistics", or "approximate values" depending on the context.

When is it appropriate to use "indicative numbers"?

Use "indicative numbers" when you want to present data that provides a general sense of a quantity or trend, without implying precise accuracy. This is common in preliminary reports or estimates.

What's the difference between "indicative numbers" and "precise figures"?

"Indicative numbers" offer an approximation or suggestion, while "precise figures" represent exact or highly accurate data. Using "precise figures" implies a higher level of certainty and accuracy.